Madman Entertainment Schedules December Theatrical Marathon for Heated Rivalry Across Australian Cinemas
Australian fans of the hit Canadian romantic drama series Heated Rivalry can return to the cottage early this December, with distributor Madman Entertainment locking in a special one-day theatrical marathon across select cinemas nationwide on December 5th, Variety Australia reported. The nearly five-hour event arrives ahead of the show’s second-season premiere, which is expected to debut in April 2027.
Back-to-Back Screenings and Intermission Details for the December 5 Event
The special cinematic screening will feature all six episodes of the show’s first season played back-to-back, giving audiences a chance to revisit the hockey romance on the big screen a year after its initial premiere. Organisers have scheduled a brief intermission between episodes three and four to break up the nearly five-hour running time. ScreenHub reported that participating venues include Dendy Canberra in the ACT, Dendy Newtown and the Hayden Orpheum in Cremorne in New South Wales, Dendy Coorparoo and Dendy Southport in Queensland, Palace Nova Eastend in South Australia, and Cinema Nova in Victoria.
Cast and Production Updates as Season 2 Filming Continues in Toronto
Created by Jacob Tierney and adapted from Rachel Reid’s bestselling novels, Heated Rivalry follows professional ice hockey rivals Shane Hollander, played by Hudson Williams, and Ilya Rozanov, played by Connor Storrie, as their secret relationship develops over several years. Rounding out the ensemble of the first season are François Arnaud in the role of Scott Hunter, Robbie G.K. as Kip Grady, Christina Chang alongside Dylan Walsh portraying Shane’s parents Yuna and David Hollander, Sophie Nélisse as Rose Landry, and Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova playing Svetlana. Production on the second season began in Toronto earlier this year, with Tierney directing and writing the series while serving as an executive producer alongside Brendan Brady. Season 2 will primarily adapt Reid’s novel The Long Game, incorporating elements of Role Model, and will introduce new cast members Emily Hampshire, Edvin Ryding, Robert Naylor, Sabrina Jalees, Priyanka, Justice Smith, and Charlie Gillespie. HBO Max, which handled streaming for the first season in Australia, has secured local rights for the upcoming second season, distributed internationally by Sphere Abacus.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Heated Rivalry Cinema Screening
Which cinemas are hosting the December 5 marathon?
Screenings are scheduled at select locations including Dendy Canberra, Dendy Newtown, Hayden Orpheum in Cremorne, Dendy Coorparoo, Dendy Southport, Palace Nova Eastend, and Cinema Nova, with tickets currently available on the Madman Entertainment website.
What books is Season 2 based on?
The upcoming second season will adapt Rachel Reid’s novel The Long Game, while also incorporating elements from her book Role Model.
Who distributes the series internationally?
Sphere Abacus, which operates as a Bell Media company, handles worldwide distribution for the project across a footprint spanning more than 130 countries.